Welcome to URCA!

A summer program funded by the National Science Foundation

URCA will not operate in 2017.

URCA is an integrated 10-week summer program designed to introduce students to computational
physics through original research projects in the field of high-energy astrophysics. Applications include
supernovae and supernova remnants, interacting binary stars and accreting compact objects, gamma-ray bursts,
accretion disks, stellar winds and jets, r-process nucleosynthesis, and neutrino astrophysics.
The computational tools taught to and applied by the students include hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic
simulations, nuclear reaction networks, Monte-Carlo methods, spectral synthesis codes, and various data analysis
techniques applied to both simulation and observational data.

Participants will spend the summer in an immersive environment that includes not only a faculty-mentored
research project, but extensive training in all aspects of independent research through classroom
instruction, hands-on training exercises, small group discussions, and activities with other summer
programs on campus.
The program ends with students giving a research talk to fellow physics students and faculty
and presenting a poster at a campus-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Are You a Potential URCA Student?

The URCA program targets undergraduate students
who might not have research experience.
Our intent is to provide a unique, comprehensive introduction to computational physics for
undergraduate students early in their careers.

Prospective students...

DON'T need advanced physics courses.

DO need to have completed one year of calculus-based physics courses.

DON'T need computing experience.

DO need to be excited about learning how to use computers in research.

DON'T need previous classes in astronomy.

DO need to have looked up at the night sky and wondered what is out there.

How to Become an URCA Student.

The URCA application process opens December 1, with application review beginning
February 12 and participant selection beginning March 1. We will continue to accept applications
until the program is filled. Application
materials and details of the process are described on the Application Page.
URCA especially welcomes applications from women and under-represented minorities.

Summer research programs are an excellent opportunity for students to experience the
challenges and rewards of scientific research.
We will provide you a high-intensity, demanding but supportive environment in which
you can immerse yourself in a project alongside other highly motivated students.
Come prepared to work hard, to be excited, to learn, and to join a small group of
students like yourself as you develop some of the skills and knowledge to do cutting-edge science.
If you are heading to URCA or any other summer research program, you should
read the article by Elisabeth Pain,
"Making Your Research Internship a Good One."

NC State is located in Raleigh, NC,
situated midway between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
Raleigh blends the fun and excitement of a big city with the hospitality and charm of a small Southern town.

URCA Students

The success of undergraduate astrophysics researchers at NC State is exemplified by numerous
student-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national and international meetings,
and awards, scholarships and fellowships related to their research.

Computers

Students will have access to a range of
computing resources, from desktop workstations to the Stampede supercomputer at
TACC.

The URCA Process

The URCA process is a neutrino emission mechanism relevant to cooling neutron stars.
Quiz: What is the connection between the URCA process and Carmen Miranda?